Study in USA and Canada at top universities: easy access for international students

How to choose a university in the USA or Canada

With over 4,500 institutions to choose from, North America offers the most diverse and exciting range of universities anywhere in the world. But the choice can be overwhelming for international students. We have simplified the process by selecting only the best universities to match your educational needs.

Finding the right university for you

Choosing a university may be the most important decision you have been faced with so far in your life. When deciding which US and Canadian universities to apply to, consider the following questions:

Does the university offer your program of study?

In the USA and Canada your main field of study is called your 'major.' If you know what you intend to study, make sure you apply to universities that have strong programs in your field of interest. Use our interactive degree search to quickly find and compare universities and colleges that offer a particular major, or read advice on choosing a major.

What are the university's fees?

The price of an American education varies by institution. In the USA, private universities are more expensive but usually offer more individual attention and extra facilities. State or Public universities tend to be larger, but less expensive. In Canada, most universities are public and the cost of tuition is generally lower than in the USA. All of the universities we work with have excellent educational value. We offer reduced fees, helping to make your time at university as affordable as possible.

Where in North America do you want to live?

North America is a huge continent and offers a vast choice of destinations. When exploring your US and Canadian university choices, consider what region you would like to go to, as that will define the climate and culture you experience. We work with universities in these locations:

What campus environment do you expect?

Campus setting makes a big difference to your experience of university life. International students often want to go to university in the heart of a big city, near exciting cultural events and world-class attractions. But studying here can be a distracting experience. The universities we work with are campus-based in smaller cities or towns. These universities give you a close-knit supportive environment, and the peace you need to focus on your study, while still being within range of larger cities for weekend trips.

Is the university accredited?

US and Canadian universities that meet and maintain certain standards are considered 'accredited.' Employers, other universities, and governments around the world only recognize degrees from accredited universities. Our carefully selected universities have institutional accreditation and also have accredited academic programs. For business, the gold standard is AACSB accreditation, held by around 30% of US business schools.

What is the university's ranking and academic reputation?

American publications compile a variety of unofficial university rankings and most students want to apply to the highest ranked university they are eligible for. However, when choosing a university, consider how it fits your needs, not just how highly it is ranked. Many students dream of going to Ivy League institutions such as Harvard and Yale, but entry is very selective and only 7% of applicants are accepted.

We have carefully selected universities that are outstanding choices for international students and consistently achieve academic recognition. For instance, Long Island University's MBA is taught in one of the 'Best Business Schools' in America according to two popular rankings lists. And James Madison University is named one of the '50 Best Value Public Colleges' in the USA.

Will you get individual attention?

Individual attention can be critical in helping you succeed in your academic courses. We only work with US and Canadian universities that offer the support services you need for success. Our university partners have learning support centers, international offices, and an average ratio of 1 professor to 14 students.

Help making the right choice

How do you find the right US university with so many choices? We are here to ease your path to an American degree. We'll help you select the best institution based upon your choice of major, career goals, preferred location and budget. Use our interactive university finder or contact us for expert advice:

What's the difference between a college and a university?

In many countries, a college is of lower rank than a university, and offers only vocational courses. This is not the case in the USA: the terms 'college' and 'university' are interchangeable, and both can offer undergraduate and (post)graduate degree courses. Many US universities are known as 'Liberal Arts Colleges' and these are usually very high quality, private institutions unique to the American education system. Most important is the suitability of the institution for your long term goals, rather than whether it is a called a college or a university.

Changing university

In the USA, it is very common for students to change universities after two years of study, and most compatible institutions will accept credits from other universities. You are not required to complete all four years of study in the same university or college in order to gain your degree there.

Students who move their credits from one university to another are called 'Transfer Students'. You may also be able to transfer credits earned at university in your own country to a university in America.